Captain WALTER NAPLETON STONE
Royal Fusiliers
3rd Bn. attd. 17th Bn.
Died 30 November 1917
Age 25 years old
- Country of Service United Kingdom
- Awards Victoria Cross
- Additional Info Son of Edward and Emily Frances Stone, of Blackheath, London. Educated at Harrow and Pembroke College, Cambridge.
- Additional Citation note
An extract from "The London Gazette," dated 12th Feb., 1918, records the following:-"For most conspicuous bravery when in command of a company in an isolated position 1,000 yards in front of the main line, and overlooking the enemy's position. He observed the enemy massing for an attack, and afforded invaluable information to battalion headquarters. He was ordered to withdraw his company, leaving a rearguard to cover the withdrawal. The attack developing with unexpected speed, Capt. Stone sent three platoons back and remained with the rearguard himself. He stood on the parapet with the telephone under a tremendous bombardment, observing the enemy and continued to send back valuable information until the wire was cut by his orders. The rearguard was eventually surrounded and cut to pieces, and Capt. Stone was seen fighting to the last till he was shot through the head. The extraordinary coolness of this heroic officer and the accuracy of his information enabled dispositions to be made just in time to save the line and avert disaster."
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